MUNCIE, Ind. — It's a pretty safe bet that most athletes, if they finished second in the state in receiving yards and broke a state record for receiving touchdowns, would not have to think twice about going out for football the following year. It would be a foregone conclusion.

Most athletes, that is. Because there are not a lot of them like Luke Bumbalough.

New Castle's multi-sport star had a decision to make. Bumbalough reeled in 107 catches for 1,810 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior, but after a summer commitment to Ball State basketball — he held a scholarship offer from Ball State football also — the senior went into the first day of practice thinking he wasn't going to play.

But Bumbalough truly does love football. "It's a different rush," he said. So after talks with Ball State coach James Whitford, New Castle coach Kyle York, his parents and siblings, Bumbalough knew he couldn't pass this up.

His first practice was Wednesday. One of the state's best receivers is officially back.

"It felt great," Bumbalough said. "To get back and catch some balls, run some routes, I just knew I couldn’t pass up my senior year with my best friends. After this year it’s 100 percent basketball, but I just wanted to enjoy my senior year.

"Just because I’ve already committed to Ball State basketball, I thought it was the right thing to do to focus on basketball. But the more I thought about it, I just realized it would be tough not to play my senior year. I feel like I would regret it."

Seeing how Bumbalough is so good at both sports, this decision was certainly difficult. He averaged 20 points and 5.9 assists last year on the court as the Trojans went to semistate. At one point, Bumbalough considered playing both at Ball State.

The urge to put the pads on for one final season became too much. So Bumbalough called Whitford on Monday, as the two are still building a relationship.

"Obviously he’s going to be nervous because I’m a point guard recruit and he’s putting a lot of faith in me," Bumbalough said. "I understand his caution, but he was very understanding. He told me that he supported me, that I was his guy, that I’m going to be his point guard. He is nervous about it, but he supports me and can’t wait to get me up there."

York knows how much Bumbalough means to the success of his team — "Everything he touches, he's gifted at." The two are close. But he was patient with Bumbalough, and told him throughout the process not to make any rash decisions and follow his heart and passion. It paid off with a phone call Wednesday morning.

"First thing he said was 'Coach, I'm in,'" York said. "I could tell by the sound of his voice that he was ready. I could hear the enthusiasm. I think I yelled and said, 'I'm ready to do it with you.'

"It's obviously incredibly encouraging for our team. Any time you have an all-state caliber kid added to your team, it adds morale. There was a different type of energy (Wednesday) that we didn't have the first couple days."

With the addition of Bumbalough, New Castle returns all of its top wideouts (Triston Chesher, Nicholas Grieser, Tytus Ragle) from last season's 6-5 team. Plus its running backs, linebackers and secondary. Senior Drew Barber has had an "incredible camp" at quarterback and is the leading candidate to replace Niah Williamson, the state's leading passer last year.

York thinks this year could be another fun one at New Castle, which could mean more huge numbers for Bumbalough. But his main goal this season is...

"Obviously to come out with no injuries," Bumbalough said with a laugh. "No, but really just have a winning record for the town because they got behind us. And have a little fun, no matter what happens, in my last time playing football."

Good luck, opposing defenses.

Buy Photo

Delta took on New Castle for their homecoming game on Sept. 22 at Delta High School. Delta won the game 56-49.(Photo: Corey Ohlenkamp/The Star Press)

Jake Fox is a high school sports writer at The Star Press. Contact him at (765) 213-5848, jfox@muncie.gannett.com or @FoxJake_.